Tamaki borthers to launch new tourism venture

The Tamaki brothers are on the brink of opening what they reckon will be another award-winning tourism venture.

The Realm of Tane will take visitors on what the brothers hope will be an informative, theatrical and fun journey explaining the history of Maori.

Mike and Doug Tamaki established Tamaki Tours, the first hangi and concert for tourists not held at a hotel. The Realm of Tane is to open next weekend. The day-time experience spans an hour and tells of a young woman's journey from being slightly embarrassed about her culture to connecting with her heritage, ancestors and values.

Visitors move through different time periods and across five different areas, including an indoor native garden, cave, meeting house and theatre.

Mike Tamaki said visitors wanted to see more cultural experiences of a higher quality.

Doug Tamaki said they embarked on the project because such an attraction was missing from the tourism industry.

"There are plenty of hangi and concerts but this goes well before the days of eating hangi."

The brothers hope New Zealanders will visit the attraction, not just overseas tourists.

- NZPA